Before You Build in Lehi, UT: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Lehi City Development Code limits front yard fences to 4 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet. Double frontage lot fences along arterials must be 6 feet (8 feet along principal arterials/state roads). Clear vision area: 36 inches max.

Lehi requires a zoning compliance permit for fences to verify setback compliance. Specific fence height or type changes beyond standard allowances may require a variance. Contact Lehi Building at (385) 201-1035.

Lehi follows Utah general property law for boundary fences. Utah Code §17-15-3 provides fence viewers. No Lehi-specific cost-sharing ordinance. Parallel fences within 12 inches are prohibited (except retaining wall terracing).

Lehi requires a building permit for all swimming pools. Pool barriers must meet IRC standards with a minimum 48-inch (4-foot) fence. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Openings may not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass.

All pools in Lehi require a building permit and must comply with IRC barrier standards and the Virginia Graeme Baker Act for drain safety. Commercial pools require Utah County Health Department approval.

Above-ground pools in Lehi require a building permit and must meet the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pool walls meeting minimum height may serve as the barrier. Associated decking requires a separate permit.

Lehi permits ADUs in single-family homes on lots 6,000+ sq ft (22,000+ for detached). Owner occupancy is required via recorded declaration. ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals. One dedicated off-street parking space required.

Garage conversions to living space in Lehi require a building permit and must meet residential building code requirements. Converting to an ADU requires compliance with ADU standards including owner occupancy, lot size, and parking requirements.

Lehi regulates carports as accessory buildings/structures under Chapter 26 of the Lehi City Development Code. Accessory buildings less than 16 feet in height may be located within 18 inches of the property line; buildings 16 to 24 feet have a 5-foot side yard setback; structures taller than 24 feet require an 8-foot side yard setback. No accessory building may sit closer than 12 feet to a house on a neighboring lot, and no accessory building may exceed the height of the primary residence.

Sheds under 200 sq ft in Lehi require only a zoning compliance permit (to verify setbacks). Sheds 200+ sq ft require a building permit. Structures with utilities always require a building permit. Contact Building at (385) 201-1035.

Lehi allows residential recreational fire pits per Utah fire code standards: 3-foot maximum diameter, 2-foot flame height, 25-foot clearance from structures. Spark arrestor screens required. Air quality must be verified before any fire.

Open burning in Lehi requires contacting the Fire Chief for permits. Burn permits are issued during April 1–May 31 and September 15–October 31 when the clearing index is 500+. Red/Yellow air action days prohibit all burning.

Lehi City Chapter 35 (Community Forestry) governs tree trimming and care on public property. Street and right-of-way trees require city approval before trimming. Private property tree trimming is generally unrestricted.

Tree removal on private property in Lehi generally does not require a city permit. Heritage trees under the Utah Heritage Tree Act require a permit. Street and right-of-way trees require city approval under Chapter 35.

Lehi uses a phased water shortage management plan. Phase 3 limits watering to twice weekly. Secondary irrigation season is April 15–October 15. Smart controllers and drip irrigation required for new landscaping. New sod/seed may be exempted during establishment.